Due to the pandemic, North Tampa Christian Academy, a top Christian school in Tampa, geared up for virtual learning on March 30th. Innovation and modern technology are the core of what our school offers, making us fully equipped for this transition. Our NTCA staff and teachers have been fully trained for virtual online learning. Here are some tips for your family to make the virtual online learning process a success!
Set Aside an Area for Learning
The transition to online learning will be smooth sailing if you set aside a dedicated, comfortable, and quiet area for your child to work at. Whether it’s a little desk in his room or on one side of the dining room table, create a space that is his own that is devoted strictly to learning. Place all of the supplies he needs there, and allow him to decorate it in a way that keeps him motivated. Virtual learning requires good internet access and video conferencing software. You can also mix online time with old styles of learning so he doesn’t overdo technology!
Establish a Routine
When your child is at school, he’s on a strict schedule. He’s used to the flow of a routine, so you’ll need to establish one in his at-home school as well. Children do best when they stick to a normal routine. Plan your days in advance, breaking up the days into blocks. Make sure you are incorporating breaks into his routine. He should be able to get up, walk around, and go outside. While working, he will have to turn off all distractions to focus, so it’s important to schedule breaks. A great idea to set alarms that act like school bells!
Set Goals
One of the first things your child should do is set goals. Once you’ve created a schedule for what the days will look like, determine how much study time he will need and how much time it’ll take to accomplish each block. Then, set deadlines for larger projects that would require more time.
Limit Distractions
While your child is getting his work done, limit distractions, including his use of devices for leisure. If he doesn’t need it for his schoolwork, then it shouldn’t be around. Designate break times that will allow him the time to play on his device or interact with his friends on video chats. Remind him this isn’t a vacation; it’s still school time!
Maintain Healthy Habits
It’s important for your child to keep his mind and body healthy. Snacktime should only include nutritional foods, such as berries and nuts, that fuel the brain. Brain foods boost brain function and improve memory and concentration. Along with eating healthy foods, your child needs time for physical activity. Let him play outside, go for a walk, or ride his bike. The combination of light snacks and active play will keep him healthy!
Make Time for Play
Even at school, your child gets time to play and interact with his friends. You won’t want to overload him with schoolwork and chores to the point where he feels stressed. He will quickly start to feel the effects of social distancing. A good balance of work and play is healthy, so schedule time for fun! Give him toys to play with, let him go outside for a bike ride, or hop on a video call with friends. Fostering those relationships even while social distancing is beneficial for his mental health and building upon friendships. Create a virtual study group to help your child and his peers connect.
Communication
Be in touch with teachers and other parents, just like you would at the physical school. Every other parent is going through the same thing. Plus, the teachers are prepared to help you through it. Check in with each other for best practices. You’re not in this alone!
At North Tampa Christian Academy, a top Christian school in Tampa, the faculty, staff, and families work as a team. Our service-oriented approach builds Christian leaders who think deeply, choose wisely, create beauty, and use their dreams to solve problems. Want to learn more about what makes us different? Contact us today.